The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has stated that people are angry with him for associating with those who have previously fought against him.
The governor disclosed this at Sunday’s Thanksgiving in Uyo, while kick-starting activities to mark the 38th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State’s creation.
He urged those who were displeased with the development to forgive him, and for those who cannot forgive to tolerate him till he leaves office, as he can’t help embracing all Akwa Ibomites.
The governor further wished Akwa Ibom to remain one, vowing to ensure that those pushing for the split of the state in the agitation for state creation never succeeded.
He said, “A lot of people are angry with me. They say oh, people that fought you, you’re now greeting them. People that did this, did that. And I say if we live in a country or a state where it is ‘an eye for an eye’, we will soon all go blind.
“Let’s learn to put the past behind us, learn to be magnanimous in victory. Let’s learn to understand that all of those things (political conflicts) happened so that the glory of God, the supremacy of of God will be revealed.
“The moment we fail to understand the place of God in our lives, then we want to take on our battles. My Bible tells me the battles belong to the Lord. There is time and season for everything under the sun.
“Let’s rise above ethnicity. Rise above parochialism, above hatred, deep seated hatred. I pray the people you’re fighting with, may your children’s paths cross. May they bring selves home to you, that they want to marry selves.”
Cautioning against unending political acrimony, Eno asked, “What are we fighting for? Too much meetings. You finish holding a meeting, they start another one. People want to control structure. The moment you want to control structure in this government, you’re a suspect.
“Forgive one another. Let’s work together for the common good of our state. Every patriotic citizen should be interested in the state. That is what this unity is about. Every Akwa Ibom leader in any sphere of life is important and we will work with them, ensure we honour and respect them.”
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]